A young camper stands near cabins at the YMCA's Camp Dantzler. In 1923, YMCA officials purchased the site along the Black Creek from the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Co. / Submitted photo

Written by

David Breland

American Staff Writer

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The birth of the Hattiesburg YMCA began with a conversation between three men: Dr. C.C. Hightower, Howard Gilliam and Dr. V.L. Isard on July 1, 1913. Since that conversation, the Hattiesburg YMCA has logged more than a century of service in the Pine Belt following its mission “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

Dan Henley, executive director of the Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi, said although programs and locations change, the core of the YMCA in Hattiesburg remains the same.

“We offer many programs for all age and activity levels, so families can come here and make their selves healthy. That’s what we do — we strengthen families,” Henley said. “Also, we are an organization based on Christian principles and we work to build each other up, and that’s the environment we have always offered. Fitness is only one amenity.”

History

The Hattiesburg Y has been housed at three locations during its 100-year existence. The first YMCA was built downtown in 1914 at the corner of New Orleans Street and Main Street, before moving to the J. Maury Gandy YMCA on North 12th Avenue in 1959. Finally, the Family YMCA opened at its current location on Veterans Memorial Drive in 1994.

The original YMCA building, located where the William M. Colmer Federal Building now stands, began construction in 1914 at a cost of $75,000. Funds to construct the building were raised through a $50,000 campaign sponsored by the Hattiesburg Commercial Club. However, World War I interrupted construction of the building and it was turned over to the War Workers Council for use by soldiers training at Camp Shelby. The council completed the building and maintained control of it through the end of the war until 1919. During the war years, the Young Women’s Christian Association was incorporated in Hattiesburg in 1918.

After the war, the YMCA became the hub for recreational and civic clubs, with most conducting meetings there. Also, a dormitory at the Y housed young men for $10 a month.

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Another great chapter of the Hattiesburg YMCA began in 1923 with the acquisition of Joseph M. Gandy Sr. and Camp Dantzler. Gandy began his tenure as the YMCA’s industrial secretary on June 12, 1923, charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, maintenance of the building, and recruitment. Gandy would hold that post for more than two decades.

The YMCA purchased a camp site along Black Creek from the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Co. That same year, 55 boys attended the first camp held at what would be known as Camp Dantzler.

The Great Depression touched all aspects of society, the YMCA included. After WWI, the YMCA’s annual operational budget was more than $15,000. By the time the Depression struck in 1932, the organization’s budget was winnowed down to $4,500. Gandy, the YMCA’s secretary, moved himself and his family into the building’s second-floor meeting rooms to help keep it operating. Throughout the Depression, the Hattiesburg YMCA kept its doors open, partnering with area churches and civic groups to offer what aid it could to those left homeless or jobless.

The lingering effects of the Great Depression were felt until the American entrance into World War II. As Camp Shelby grew to become the largest Army garrison, which at its peak held more than 100,000 troops, the YMCA once again was drafted into service. The swimming pool became a popular stop for GIs looking to beat the Mississippi heat.

After the end of WWII, a familiar son of the YMCA, Joseph “Jack” Gandy Jr., assumed the role of general secretary. The younger Gandy first began working as a lifeguard at age 10. Under his watch, basketball leagues and summer camps filled to capacity, the organization transferred to new building, and renovations were made to Camp Dantzler.

As America grew in the wake of WWII, so did Hattiesburg’s YMCA. The YMCA bought 2 1/2 acres at 300 N. 12th Ave. for a new building. A funding drive raised $150,000 for the construction. On Sept. 5, 1959, the J. Maury Gandy Memorial YMCA opened its doors.

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YMCA membership soon doubled at the new location, keeping the doors open 14 hours a day, six days a week.

A fundraising drive in the mid-1960s paid for the construction of an Olympic-sized, Amateur Athletic Union-approved swimming pool. Also, Camp Dantzler saw a host of improvements in the ’60s, as cabins were painted, a beach created along the banks of Black Creek by Navy Seabees, and new concrete cabins replaced wooden buildings destroyed by Hurricane Camille.

Throughout the 1970s the YMCA saw continued use as a civic and recreational center. And, in 1977 an era ended as Joseph “Jack” Gandy Jr., retired. With their combined careers, the Gandys dedicated 69 years of work to the Hattiesburg YMCA.

The 1980s held important developments for the YMCA, beginning with the closure of Camp Dantzler due to damage sustained by Hurricane Frederic in 1980. In 1982, the YMCA and YWCA merged into the Pine Belt Family YMCA and a year later joined the National Council of YMCAs.

After decades of use, the Gandy Memorial YMCA underwent a $100,000 renovation in 1984. And, in 1985, the board of directors approved a five-year strategic plan for expanding the YMCA and its programming. The result of the plan spelled a new building in the YMCA’s future and in 1987 fundraising began for the construction of the Y’s current location. The Camp Dantzler property also was sold that year to help fund the new building.

In 1993 construction began on the YMCA’s facility on Veterans Memorial Drive. Finally, in 1994 the YMCA arrived at its current home. Partnering with Forrest General Hospital, the YMCA expanded to offer more programs — in 1998, a preschool facility was added.

In 2000, Alex Katrishin, a WWII veteran, bequeathed a $1.1 million trust to the Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi.

The YMCA began its capital campaign in 1999 for a Petal facility. Two and half years later, officials broke ground on the 32,000-square-foot facility on Hillcrest Loop. On March 31, 2003, the $3.5 million Petal Family Y opened its doors. In 2004, membership at the Hattiesburg and Petal YMCAs surpassed 11,000 members. Continued growth led to a $2.5 million expansion of both facilities in 2008.

The Galey family began its affiliation with the YMCA when C.D. “Red” Galey joined at the original Main Street location and served on the Y’s board of directors. Red Galey is still a member of Y, along with his son, Glenn Galey, and grandsons, Roman and Ryan, who is a board member.

Roman Galey said the variety of programs offered by the Family YMCA is what has contributed to his family’s three generations of members.

“We all have different likings. There are a lot of things we all can enjoy,” he said. “I think the YMCA is a huge resource for our community. It adds so much to the community with classes and camps, especially for kids who don’t normally have access to these activities. The YMCA is something Pine Belt families can take advantage of. I just hope we, as a community, can find a way to support and revolutionize the Y, so it can go on to the next generation.”